Raiders Hire New Coach. Lane Kiffin, OC at Southern California - Page 2

**BigRedChief** · 01-22-2007, 11:33 PM

By Michael Silver, SI.com

Lane Kiffin, offensive coordinator at Southern California, agreed Monday night to a five-year contract to replace Art Shell as head coach of the Oakland Raiders, SI.com has learned.

Kiffin, the 31-year-old son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, becomes the youngest coach in the NFL.

According to a source familiar with the negotiations, Kiffin and the team completed the deal after negotiations began earlier Monday.

He earned the job with a strong interview after the Raiders failed to reach a deal last week with 32-year-old Steve Sarkisian, Kiffin's fellow assistant to Pete Carroll at USC.

Sarkisian had two strong interviews with the Raiders last week, but decided to stay at USC on Friday night. Both claimed Sarkisian never was offered the job, though numerous media reports said Sarkisian turned the club down.

Davis first interviewed Kiffin on Thursday -- apparently to explore the possibility of hiring Kiffin as the club's offensive coordinator. Kiffin, who also coached receivers for USC, returned to the Bay Area on Sunday for a second interview, this time to discuss becoming the Raiders' head coach.

Kiffin also was a finalist for the top job at the University of Minnesota earlier in the offseason.

The former Fresno State quarterback is younger than at least nine players who finished the season with Oakland, including defensive tackle Warren Sapp, fullback Zack Crockett and receiver Alvis Whitted.

After beginning his coach career as an assistant at Fresno State, Kiffin became a secondary coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2000. The following year, he joined Pete Carroll's staff at USC as a tight ends coach, becoming wide receivers coach in 2002 and offensive coordinator in 2005.

Owner Al Davis fired Shell on Jan. 4 after the Raiders finished with the NFL's worst record at 2-14. It was Oakland's worst record since going 1-13 in 1962.

Oakland has won just 15 games in the four seasons since reaching the Super Bowl after the 2002 season. Davis has fired Bill Callahan, Norv Turner and Shell since then, and many prime candidates for other top coaching jobs apparently are put off by Davis' management style.

The Raiders have serious personnel problems with one of the NFL's worst offenses, but their defense was among the league's best. Oakland also has the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

HonestChieffan · 01-23-2007, 09:20 AM

Could be Pinkels replacement?

FringeNC · 01-23-2007, 09:36 AM

Is Buddy Ryan's son still there? If so, Oakland might not be a doormat any more. Ryan evidently could just blow Al off, and still field a good defense -- Oakland had a MUCH better defense than we did. If Kiffin can do the same thing on the offensive side of the ball....

I'd much rather have Kiffin and Ryan than I would Herm and Gunther. I think we probably have the worst coaching staff in the division now.

Rooster · 01-23-2007, 10:42 AM

He's 31 and a head coach in the NFL. I have to get my ass in gear and do something with my life.

Kraut · 01-23-2007, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooster

He's 31 and a head coach in the NFL. I have to get my ass in gear and do something with my life.

LOL I know doesn't it just make you feel like dog shite.....

Archie Bunker · 01-23-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FringeNC

I'd much rather have Kiffin and Ryan than I would Herm and Gunther. I think we probably have the worst coaching staff in the division now.

I'd trade Gun for Ryan in a heartbeat. I'm not sure what Kiffin has done to warrant the high praise other than your hatred for Herm.

Chief Chief · 01-23-2007, 11:05 AM

Where's the media frenzy about a team replacing a fired black coach with a whitey? Al, of all people, should know that once ya go black, ya never go back...

FringeNC · 01-23-2007, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie Bunker

I'd trade Gun for Ryan in a heartbeat. I'm not sure what Kiffin has done to warrant the high praise other than your hatred for Herm.

Most thought USC would fall back to the pack when Norm Chow left for Tennessee. It didn't happen. Kiffin and Sarkasian are very well respected despite the young age.

You win in this league by having difference-makers in the front office and/or on the coaching field. Is there any player in the league you'd take over Bill Belichick? Any TWO players in the league?

Oakland seems to have an impact coach in Ryan. They lost a negative difference-maker in Art Shell. Kiffin really doesn't have to be a genius for their staff to be better than ours.

Just who are our difference makers in the front office and coaching staff? Who is above average at their respective job? Seriously, name one.

Usually, it takes a few years for a system to fall apart. Seifert kept the 49ers going a long time after Bill Walsh left. Even Callahan kept it going in Oakland for a year after Gruden left. Herm destoyed our offense immediately.

CupidStunt · 01-23-2007, 12:03 PM

afchiefs · 01-23-2007, 03:15 PM

I can see it all: 2nd game into the season
Al Davis doing his best Vermil impersion:" Its time to take off the diapers son er' Coach"

Sam Hall · 01-23-2007, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

I was hoping they'd hire Callahan back.

Dammit Al!

I disagree, but that's funny.

Sam Hall · 01-23-2007, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saulbadguy

They are stupid, but not that stupid.

You have no room to talk

Deberg_1990 · 01-23-2007, 08:34 PM

Al Davis likes young men apparently.....

01-22-2007, 11:33 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-601038 VARSITY	Raiders Hire New Coach. Lane Kiffin, OC at Southern California By Michael Silver, SI.com Lane Kiffin, offensive coordinator at Southern California, agreed Monday night to a five-year contract to replace Art Shell as head coach of the Oakland Raiders, SI.com has learned. Kiffin, the 31-year-old son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, becomes the youngest coach in the NFL. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, Kiffin and the team completed the deal after negotiations began earlier Monday. He earned the job with a strong interview after the Raiders failed to reach a deal last week with 32-year-old Steve Sarkisian, Kiffin's fellow assistant to Pete Carroll at USC. Sarkisian had two strong interviews with the Raiders last week, but decided to stay at USC on Friday night. Both claimed Sarkisian never was offered the job, though numerous media reports said Sarkisian turned the club down. Davis first interviewed Kiffin on Thursday -- apparently to explore the possibility of hiring Kiffin as the club's offensive coordinator. Kiffin, who also coached receivers for USC, returned to the Bay Area on Sunday for a second interview, this time to discuss becoming the Raiders' head coach. Kiffin also was a finalist for the top job at the University of Minnesota earlier in the offseason. The former Fresno State quarterback is younger than at least nine players who finished the season with Oakland, including defensive tackle Warren Sapp, fullback Zack Crockett and receiver Alvis Whitted. After beginning his coach career as an assistant at Fresno State, Kiffin became a secondary coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2000. The following year, he joined Pete Carroll's staff at USC as a tight ends coach, becoming wide receivers coach in 2002 and offensive coordinator in 2005. Owner Al Davis fired Shell on Jan. 4 after the Raiders finished with the NFL's worst record at 2-14. It was Oakland's worst record since going 1-13 in 1962. Oakland has won just 15 games in the four seasons since reaching the Super Bowl after the 2002 season. Davis has fired Bill Callahan, Norv Turner and Shell since then, and many prime candidates for other top coaching jobs apparently are put off by Davis' management style. The Raiders have serious personnel problems with one of the NFL's worst offenses, but their defense was among the league's best. Oakland also has the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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01-23-2007, 09:20 AM	#16
HonestChieffan Seeking the Truth daily Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the Country in MO Casino cash: $-1405691	Could be Pinkels replacement? __________________ "We read books for knowledge; We read the Bible for wisdom!"
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01-23-2007, 09:36 AM	#17
FringeNC MVP Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: NC Casino cash: $-1623986	Is Buddy Ryan's son still there? If so, Oakland might not be a doormat any more. Ryan evidently could just blow Al off, and still field a good defense -- Oakland had a MUCH better defense than we did. If Kiffin can do the same thing on the offensive side of the ball.... I'd much rather have Kiffin and Ryan than I would Herm and Gunther. I think we probably have the worst coaching staff in the division now.
Posts: 10,234

01-23-2007, 10:42 AM	#18
Rooster Draft a QB Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: JoCo Casino cash: $9961689	He's 31 and a head coach in the NFL. I have to get my ass in gear and do something with my life. __________________ When Reno Hightower was a prick he was the best damn quarterback in the history of Kern County.
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01-23-2007, 11:05 AM	#21
Chief Chief Veteran Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City MO Casino cash: $10004900	Where's the media frenzy about a team replacing a fired black coach with a whitey? Al, of all people, should know that once ya go black, ya never go back...
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01-23-2007, 12:03 PM	#23
CupidStunt offense > defense Join Date: Jul 2005 Casino cash: $-666668
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01-23-2007, 03:15 PM	#24
afchiefs Starter Join Date: Jul 2002 Casino cash: $10004900	I can see it all: 2nd game into the season Al Davis doing his best Vermil impersion:" Its time to take off the diapers son er' Coach" __________________ My Property line is not where I thought it was, which is a good thing I guess, otherwise it might have been me busted for growing dope. - Dwight York
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01-23-2007, 08:34 PM	#27
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $294454	Al Davis likes young men apparently..... __________________ Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made.
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